Most Important Elements of Visual Merchandising - part 1

Created on Sunday, 20 August 2017 16:52

Visual merchandising is comprised of many elements and can create uncertainty about where to start. If you’re artistically challenged and financially deprived, creating visual displays can be especially difficult. Luckily, the five most important elements of visual merchandising are easy to implement and won't break the bank.

Whether you're revamping your retail displays or creating new ones, use these five strategies to help you achieve more impactful and memorable visual merchandising.

And put more money in your pocket this year.

1. Remember that color is king.

Color is powerful, and it can make or break your visual displays. A retailer might create a horrible display, but if the colors coordinate well, the display can still be a huge success. Consider using contrasting colors, like black and white, and monochromatic colors--both create intriguing, eye-catching displays. Too many times we lose sight of the power of color and its ability to attract the eye. Remember: wherever the eyes go, the feet will follow. So use color to catch the eyes of your customers.

2. Create a focal point.

Where does the viewer’s eye focus on your display? Do their eyes move toward a specific location on the display, or are they confused about where to look? Create a hotspot--or focal point. Why? Because hotspots can increase sales by 229 percent. Examine your display from the customer’s point of view: the top, the floor, both sides. Often the focal point is positioned too high for the customer to see. Always check your displays to ensure customers can easily view the hotspots and merchandise.

3. Tell a story.

What’s in it for customers? Tell them. Use powerful, sales-enabling signage to display the advantages of buying the product. Present three bullet points that tell customers why they need the product or how their life will become easier because of the product. Remember, you’re not writing an essay but rather a headline, powerful bullet points, and possibly a price proposition. By telling a story, you help the customer better understand the product and enable the buying decision. A display may lack wording or an educational sign. That’s perfectly fine; as long as there’s still a story, the sign can speak for itself. Learn more tips on merchandising in the second part of this article.